KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Independence city officials on Monday announced another outbreak of COVID-19 cases at a long-term care facility, the second such outbreak to be identified in the city in less than a week.
As of Monday, 39 people have become infected with the virus at Independence Manor, 1600 South Kings Highway, the city said in a news release. The first case was identified last week, and all residents and staff were subsequently tested. The remaining 38 cases came back positive over the weekend.
The facility has 65 residents and 65 staff. Corporate nurse Kristi Mansou said it was an employee who initially tested positive for the virus.
“We are doing everything we can to ensure we stop the spread of this within our facility,” Mansou said in the news release from the city. “We continue to be in close communication with local and state health officials to ensure we are taking the appropriate steps at this time.”
The city said it is working with the Jackson County Health Department and the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services to provide resources to the facility.
Last week, the city said an outbreak had been identified at The Groves, 1515 West White Oak Street.
There are now outbreaks confirmed at three long-term care and rehabilitation facilities in Independence, according to the city.
Mayor Eileen Weir urged residents to continue taking precautions against COVID-19, particularly those who are more at risk for the virus.
“We are clearly seeing the second wave of COVID-19 in the Kansas City metro area, and it is vital that our residents, particularly those in the vulnerable populations, take steps to protect themselves and their families from this disease,” Weir said in the release.
